CAPE TOWN – Banyana Banyana midfielder Gabriela Salgado could celebrate a special milestone when South Africa take on Côte d’Ivoire in a crucial 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group B encounter at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca on Friday evening.
Should she feature, Salgado will earn her 50th international cap for South Africa, adding further significance to a fixture that has become a must-win following Banyana Banyana’s 2-1 defeat to Tanzania in their tournament opener earlier this week.
Despite the setback, Salgado says the squad has regrouped and shifted its full focus to Friday’s challenge.
“It’s a big game for us, the second one on the group, and we know from the results that we got in the first match that it didn’t go our way,” said Salgado.
“I think we’ve had days and time to reflect so that we may be able to face Ivory Coast tomorrow. Yeah, the coaches have given us tips, we’ve worked on yesterday’s training, we have another training today to be able to work on our game plan so that we may be able to execute it well tomorrow at the game.”
The striker believes the team has learnt valuable lessons and is ready to respond.
“I think we took a lot of lessons from the first game and we know exactly what we need to do going into this next game. It’s a must-win for us, so we’re going to go out there and give our all,” she said.
While respecting their opponents, Salgado insists Banyana Banyana’s biggest focus remains on themselves.
“Our main focus is on us as a team, how we are going to face the game,” she adds. “Obviously, it’s 90 minutes, anything you can prepare, but tactics and stuff change on the day, so we are prepared for what they could possibly bring us, but we are focusing on ourselves and how we can go and win the match.
“Hopefully I step onto the pitch, but so much pride, always representing your country.”
A potential 50th cap makes the occasion even more meaningful for the experienced midfielder.
“It’s been a challenging journey, but I’m happy to be here and I can’t wait for what’s next,” she adds.
“I think it’s unfinished business, I’ll say – the 50th cap coming at the World Cup does mean a lot because what I’ve been through and what I’ve accomplished now is just, yeah, it’s something that I can say like, you know, well done, tap on the back.”
